The pro-Biafra organization has dismissed Ejiofor’s claim that he did not collect money for representing Kanu during his trial.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Saturday released additional details of payments allegedly made to Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a former lawyer to its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The pro-Biafra organization has dismissed Ejiofor’s claim that he did not collect money for representing Kanu during his trial.
IPOB, through its Head, Directorate of Finance, Madam Nnennaya Anya, had earlier on Thursday disclosed that $100,000 was paid to Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Ejiofor, while they served as Kanu’s lawyers.
Anya on Friday released details of a N10 million payment made to Ejiofor via ‘Office Manager’.
Again on Saturday, IPOB, through Anya, released a statement titled ‘Further clarification on financial transaction: Confirmation of $19,000.00 USD payment to Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor for humanitarian and advocacy purposes’.
The statement read, “In continuation of our commitment to transparency and accountability regarding financial matters related to the legal defense and advocacy for our Supreme Leader, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I, Madam Nnennaya Anya, in my official capacity as the Head of the Directorate of Finance for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide, wish to provide this additional confirmation of a specific transaction.
“On the 9th of August 2021, shortly after the unlawful kidnap, torture, and extraordinary rendition of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria, he directly instructed me to effect a transfer of Nineteen Thousand United States Dollars ($19,000.00 USD) to Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor. This payment was duly executed as directed, for humanitarian and advocacy purposes in support of his legal representation and related efforts.
“The funds were wired from our account at Chase Bank in the United States directly into Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s USD domiciliary account at Fidelity Bank Plc, Lagos, Nigeria, under the beneficiary name “Ben I. Ejiofor & Company.” The transaction reference included details for “Humanitarian And Advocacy Pymt” with the reason stated as “Business.”
“Attached hereto is the authentic bank statement from Chase Bank, serving as irrefutable proof of this transfer, including the date, amount, beneficiary details, and associated wire fee of $50.00 USD.
“This disclosure is made in the public interest to address and refute any assertions or denials regarding the receipt of professional fees or payments for services rendered in connection with Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case. IPOB remains steadfast in ensuring all facts are laid bare, countering misinformation, and upholding the integrity of our movement.”
“We urge all stakeholders, supporters, and the general public to disregard any contrary claims and rely on these documented facts.”
Ejiofor has insisted that his legal services to Kanu were pro bono, as he did not ask for, nor received any payment.